Iron Sharpens Iron - Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Dear Father,

It is natural for us to want to surround ourselves with those who are weaker than us, those who will not question us or challenge us. But the wisdom of this proverb is that we are strengthened when we are in the presence of those who are strong, those who will challenge us, those who will hold us accountable.

I pray that these young ones seek out those who are strong and godly to be their peers and to be their spouse. But in those relationships I pray that they do not simply follow the opinions and patterns of the strong, or simply capitulate. I pray instead that they too be a sharpening iron to others by challenging, questioning and holding them accountable. I pray that they are able to develop relationships with people such that this kind of sharpening can be done in the spirit of love where each person is respected and listened to, but at the same time differences can be expressed and examined for wisdom. By this process, I pray that these children continually improve and continually develop and grow their Christian worldview, rather than simply resting on conclusions made long past.

Amen